So I called out sick today. I tried to get my shift covered good luck with that. I was told that the manager said we now have to get doctors notes because people keep calling out. I have been here for four months and have never called out. I missed a shift my first week due to a error in copying my schedule. I do not have insurance yet and even going to an emergency clinic would be $80-100. Guess what I make an average $280 every two weeks. The sign in the back says send sick workers home! I was told try to get a shift covered and if it's an emergency call in. So I agreed to the handbook but was never told about this rule. Does she have the right to do this? She already has it out for me and I'm moving to a new store soon. Thanks everyone I read the forum with an open mind but now I can say I truly hate starbucks and understand!
Calling Out Sick
(16 posts) (12 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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It is absolutely illegal for her to ask for a doctor's note. Others on this forum know the actual lingo better than me, but I know it's illegal. Something to do with the HIPAA law they passed about patient privacy.
Okay, I might be wrong. So...just ignore me. lol
Posted 1 year ago # -
I think....I might be wrong, but I think its for three days in a row or more that you need a doctors note.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yep, the law states an employer must wait 3 days before requiring a doctor's note IF the employee is ill. On the other hand, if you are sent home because you are ill, they cannot require a note until the 3rd day that YOU initiate not coming to work.
The doctors note simply has to state that you "were ill and under my care. So-and-so may return to normal work duties (or modified work duties) on <enter date>.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Its 3 days before the employer can do any kind of action, too, so they can't magically reduce hours or otherwise reprimand you.
Posted 1 year ago # -
If they do reprimand you, your state labor board has a number for you to call. HIPAA laws are absolute. You do not have to tell them why you are sick, or what you are sick with. All SBUX can require is a note saying that you were at the doctor on said date.
The QUASA rules pretty much say that you HAVE to go home if you are sick.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks everyone! I thought it was BS! The note on the wall said send sick partners home! LOL I asked a mutual friend if it was policy to need a note and she said yes it was. She's a manager and she told me to go to the hospital and it would be written off as charity. Well all I needed was NyQuil and sleep not sitting in a hospital when people really need help!
Thanks again everyone!
Posted 1 year ago # -
It's illegal for them to even ask for a doctors note unless you've called out for three consecutive days, and if your SM gives you a write up for calling in, then you can call like millions of different labor numbers to report them.
I ended up spending like 70$ recently because a SS (soon to be ASM) asked me to bring in a doctors note because I called in saying I was going to the doctors (which I was anyways) because I had a fever of 101 for like 3 days and finally decided to do something about it like an hour before a shift. (I worked at 9am, so It's not like I had time to wake up and think about it)
I then got a (verbal) write up not for calling in sick, but for calling in sick without attempting to get it covered, but hell, I couldn't move. I didn't try to fight it since it was just a verbal.Posted 1 year ago # -
@hatethemall, it doesn't matter if it's "policy"...still can't do it! Companies far and wide make up idiotic "policy" for all kinds of things, but most of them are breaking the law in one way or another.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Your totally right Whooda. I'm reading the handbook over just so I am re-familiarized with their rules. Next time I'm not working like thinkdeep said Quasa rules say you have to go home if your sick. They probably wouldn't like someone being forced to work. Funny thing is they could of been fine with out me. Were a busy store but the nights have been slow since the Holidays are over. I asked to go home early two days ago when I began to get sick. SM said we'll see of course I didn't get to. I always bust my a to set them up for closing. I'm not good enough for this store yet I out work most of the people there. Sorry to hear that eyeadapt I never call out it's basically saying we think you could be lieing bring us a note. I'm not a child and I never call out it was very offending. I'm filling out apps it makes me feel better. I'm atleast trying to get out! I don't want to wait till I just say screw it I quit! I can't afford to even though I can barley pay the bills anyways. Thanks everyone!
Posted 1 year ago # -
I had a similar experience and called partner resources because I was confused. They informed me that if you become sick, you have to attempt to contact an SM or ASM, if unable to reach you leave a note on the phone and call the SS. They all cannot force you to find coverage for your shift and that is an SS, ASM, and SM responsability.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Posted 1 year ago #
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In Canada there are no laws regarding doctor's notes and sick calls. You can be involuntarily terminated after 10 days off for being sick per year. Doctor's notes aren't covered under the law and an employer can ask for them at anytime.
Posted 1 year ago # -
@NewSBuxSM Canada can do that because you have free healthcare. I would want that rule too if my government could figure out free healthcare.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I called in sick few weeks ago, four hours before shift (there are two hours required by policy), and SM forced me to come to the shift, just 'to see how bad I am and decide what to do'. Of course, I had to work that day.
Posted 11 months ago # -
Sick is going around our store. Worst part is sick partners are insisting on working bar. Way to spread your germs!!! And yes, these are people who COULD be on register.
Posted 11 months ago #
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